Aus get ready for Denmark friendly

Updated: 22 March 2007 06:37 IST

Australia face Denmark in a friendly at their international home-from-home - Loftus Road in London.

Written by Indo-Asian News Service

Read Time: 2 mins

London:

Australia face Denmark in a friendly at their international home-from-home - Loftus Road in London - on Tuesday night.
Seven players have pulled out of coach Graham Arnold's original squad, including Jason Culina and Mark Bresciano, whose partners are both set to give birth.
Far from ruing his losses, Arnold is looking forward to seeing some new faces in his team.
"Overall, I'm very excited about the game tomorrow night because it's our first game for 2007, after a wonderful 2006 that we had as a group and a couple of young boys will come into the side, I'll announce the side later this afternoon, but it's a great opportunity since the World Cup for younger players to show what they can do," said Graham Arnold, Australia coach.
Mark Viduka missed last November's 1-1 draw in a friendly with Ghana through injury and the 'Socceroos' captain is carrying a knock this time around as well.
Arnold may once again have to look elsewhere for a striker to lead his attacking line, but Viduka hopes to recover in time and take his place in the side.
"The last game I was here to support the lads. This game I've come into this game with a little bit of a problem from the weekend as well. It's also difficult to because you've only got two days to recover from any knocks or injuries like that, but hopefully I'll be all right for tomorrow night's game," said Mark Viduka, Australia captain.
An international meeting with Denmark away from home shores may not be the most mouth watering prospect for some, but Arnold has good reasons to seek a match with Morten Olsen's sides.
"Well, because we don't play often against Scandinavian teams and they're similar in style and physique to us. They play the same type of system as we play so it will be a good test," said Graham Arnold.
Football's popularity in Australia is at an all-time high following the 'Socceroos' success at last year's World Cup, but Viduka explained that playing matches at their London base is crucial to the side's future success.
"I think people realise the difficulty it is with coming back to Australia to play games. I mean we've got a week now where it's just sort of like an international week and it's just impossible to play a game in Australia," said Mark Viduka, Australia captain.
England-based players Mark Schwarzer, Lucas Neill and Craig Moore will sit out the game with injuries, alongside Luke Wilkshire, while Michael Beauchamp has suffered a bout of food poisoning.
With so many key players missing, Viduka's inclusion in the starting line-up may prove key to be Australia's hopes of earning a win over Denmark on Tuesday night.